Two civilians suffered severe injuries resulting in leg amputations after stepping on landmines in Mrauk-U and Maungdaw Townships of Rakhine State. On March 19 at approximately 3 PM, Daw San Win May, age 42, stepped on a landmine while foraging for vegetables near the foot of Kyein Mountain in Mrauk-U. She suffered a severe injury resulting in the amputation of her left leg below the ankle. Daw San Win May, a resident of Thapyay Nyo Ward in Mrauk-U, is currently receiving emergency medical treatment.
In a separate incident, Abdul Haleik, age 44, from Latha Ward in Maungdaw, stepped on a landmine while fishing at Shwe Zar Creek on March 18 at around 1 PM. He also suffered an amputation of his left leg below the ankle and is in critical condition. Recent weeks have seen a surge in landmine incidents across Thandwe, Mrauk-U, and Maungdaw Townships in Rakhine State, resulting in civilian casualties and severe injuries.
The military council had previously planted landmines in various locations including mountainous areas where they were stationed, buildings within towns, schools, and monasteries. Despite the Arakan Army (AA) conducting mine risk education sessions and issuing warnings about the dangers of unexploded ordnance, the number of casualties has continued to rise compared to previous periods. Local residents have emphasized the need for the Arakan Army to intensify their mine clearance operations, educational programs, and warning systems regarding landmine dangers in the region.
